Method and apparatus for making status reporting devices for container handlers

ABSTRACT

A mechanism and method for making status reporting devices for container handlers, including: providing a micro-controller module, and installing a program system into memory accessed by a computer directing the micro-controller module. The micro-controller module communicatively couples with means for wirelessly communicating and for sensing a state of the container handler. Means for wirelessly communicating may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location. The micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to a separate means for determining location. An apparatus making the devices may include a second program system directing the invention&#39;s method through a second computer, which may control an assembly device in creating the micro-controller, coupled with the means for sensing and for wirelessly communicating.

CROSS REFERENCES TO PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/130,822 filed May 16, 2005, which further claimsthe benefit of the priority date of provisional patent application Ser.No. 60/571,009 filed May 14, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to status reporting devices for containerhandlers and methods of making these devices. A container handler willrefer herein to a device, usually operated by a human operator, whichmoves a container of at least twenty feet in length.

2. Background Information

Container terminals are transfer points between marine and land-basedshipping. These container terminals must maintain inventory control foran ever-increasing number of containers. The basic unit of transfer is acontainer, which comes in five sizes, a ten foot, a twenty foot, athirty foot, a forty foot and a forty five foot size. These containers,when filled, may weigh up to 110,000 pounds, or 50,000 kilograms, makingthem impossible to move, except by machinery.

The last few years have seen increased demand for real-time reporting ofcontainer activity throughout the container terminals.

The point of transfer between marine transport and land-based transportis the quay side crane, or quay cranes, as they will be known hereafter.Berthing operations involve transferring containers between a containership and a land transport by one of these quay cranes. There is often aneed for mechanisms to inspect the containers and/or create long lastingrecords of the visual condition of the containers at the time oftransfer. The clerks involved may intentionally or unintentionallymislead the container inventory management system and the terminalmanagement. The container's contents may be damaged when it reaches itsdestination, leading to the possibility of lawsuits and insurance claimsbeing brought against terminal management. Berthing operations may beseen as loading and unloading containers onto container ships.

The quay cranes deliver the containers onto UTR trucks, which sometimescarry the containers on specialized chassis known as bomb carts. The UTRtrucks move containers around a terminal, transferring the containersbetween one or more stacking yards and the Quay cranes. In the stackingyards, a number of different cranes may be used to place the containerin stacks, or possibly load them onto or unload them from trucks usedfor container movement outside the terminal.

There is an ever growing need to continuously monitor the status of thecontainer handlers around a terminal. Overall terminal efficiency tendsto be improved if the terminal management knows the status and/orlocation of each container handler and each container in the terminal.Illicit use of container handlers may be minimized by use of operatoridentification devices. The container codes may be observed and recordedat various points in the terminal transfer operations. Photographs maybe taken of the container conditions as it is leaving a ship, or beingput on a ship.

There is however a problem of scale. While there are millions ofcontainers entering and leaving a country such as the United Statesannually, there are nowhere near that many container handlers. Evenworse, there are many different kinds of container handlers. Some, suchas UTR trucks, Front End Loaders (FEL), and bomb carts handle containersdifferently from the cranes. As used herein, Front End Loaders willrefer to Top Handlers (also known as Top Loaders) and Side Handlers(also known as Side Pickers). The crane based container handlers vary instructure greatly. Some have centralized controls, known as ProgrammableLogic Controllers (PLC), and some do not. As a consequence, thesereporting devices, which enable container tracking, represent smallproduction runs. These small production runs involve many variations incircuitry and couplings for these different types of container handlers,with the attendant high setup and manufacturing costs. A modularmanufacturing method is needed for these reporting devices, which canreadily account for the container handler variations, while minimizingcost and maximizing reliability.

In the last few years, a variety of radio frequency tagging devices haveentered the marketplace. These devices can often provide a mechanism foridentifying themselves, as well as reporting their location via awireless communication protocol, often one or more variants IEEE 802.11.Some of these devices rely on a local wireless network to aid them inlocation determination. While these devices have uses, they do notsatisfy all the needs that container handlers have for status reporting.What is needed are mechanisms and methods for using the capabilities ofradio frequency tagging devices to provide an integrated solution to theneeds of the various container handlers, to report on the containerhandler status, and/or provide observations of the container beinghandled.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a mechanism and a method for making statusreporting devices for container handlers. The devices are manufacturedin a modular, highly efficient manner, which is able to use a relativelysmall number of different parts to serve the needs of a wide variety ofcontainer handlers.

A container handler will refer herein to a device, usually operated by ahuman operator, which can move a container of at least twenty feet inlength. International commerce primarily uses containers ofapproximately ten feet, twenty feet, thirty feet, forty feet orforty-five feet in length.

The method making the status reporting devices includes the followingsteps. A micro-controller module is provided. A program system isinstalled into a memory, which a computer can access to direct themicro-controller module.

The micro-controller module is communicatively coupled with a means forwirelessly communicating and a means for sensing a state of thecontainer handler.

The program system includes program steps residing in the memory. Theseprogram steps include the following. Using the means for sensing thestate of the container handler to create a sensed state. And using thewirelessly communicating means to communicate the sensed state of thecontainer handler.

In many preferred applications of the status reporting device, the meansfor wirelessly communicating is linked to a container inventorymanagement system, sometimes also known as a terminal operating system.The sensed state may be preferably communicated to another computer,preferably associated with the terminal operating system.

The means for sensing may include, but is not limited to, means for anycombination of the following.

-   -   Sensing an operator identity.    -   Sensing a container presence on, or coupled to, the container        handler.    -   Optically sensing a container code on a container.    -   Radio frequency sensing a radio frequency tag on the container.    -   Sensing a stack height for the container.    -   Sensing at least one member of a machine state list of the        container handler. The machine state list may include reverse        motion, frequent stops count, collisions, fuel level, and        compass readings. The machine state list may further include a        wind speed and an equipment up-time.    -   Sensing at least one member of a crane state list. The crane        state list may include a twistlock sensed state, a spreader        sensed state, a sensed landing state, a trolley position, and a        hoist height.    -   Sensing the container size.    -   Sensing the container weight.    -   Sensing container damage.

The means for wirelessly communicating may include a means forwirelessly determining the location of the container handler.Alternatively, the micro-controller module may be communicativelycoupled to an at least partially separate means for locating thecontainer handler. The means for locating may include an interface to aGlobal Positioning System (GPS). The means for wirelessly communicatingmay include a radio location-tag unit.

The container handler is at least one member of a container handler listcomprising an UTR truck, a bomb cart, a rubber tire gantry crane, a quaycrane, a side picker, a top loader, a top handler, a reach-stacker, astraddle carrier, and a chassis rotator.

The memory may include a non-volatile memory, which may further containat least part of at least one of the program steps of the invention.Installing the program system may include altering at least part of thenon-volatile memory, or installing a memory module containing at leastpart of at least one of the program steps in the non-volatile memory,creating at least part of the memory, which can be accessed by thecomputer. As used herein, the computer may be part of amicro-controller.

The invention includes apparatus for making the status reportingdevices. The apparatus may include a second program system directing theimplementation of the invention's method residing in memory accessiblycoupled to a second computer. The second computer may control anassembly device receiving the micro-controller module, the means forwirelessly communicating, and the means for sensing the state of thecontainer handler to create the reporting device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows three container handlers: a rubber tire gantry (RTG) craneand a UTR truck hauling a bomb cart;

FIG. 2 shows another container handler referred to herein as a quay sidecrane;

FIG. 3A shows another container handler referred to herein as a sidepicker;

FIG. 3B shows a stack of containers defining what is referred to hereinas a stacking height;

FIG. 4A shows another container handler referred to herein as a reachstacker;

FIG. 4B shows the container handler list;

FIG. 4C shows a top handler;

FIG. 4D shows a straddle carrier;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show housing of the status reporting device and sensorsfor use on various container handlers;

FIG. 6A shows a system for making a status reporting device for thecontainer handlers of FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 4A, and 4B;

FIG. 6B shows a flowchart of the program system in the status reportingdevice of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A shows a refinement of the status reporting system of FIG. 6Acoupled by a Network Interface Circuit (NIC) to the means for wirelesslycommunicating;

FIG. 7B shows a detail flowchart of FIG. 6B further using the means forwirelessly communicating;

FIG. 7C shows a further, often preferred embodiment of the manufacturingsystem of FIGS. 6A and 7A, including a second computer at least partlydirecting the means for creating the status reporting device;

FIG. 8A shows a flowchart of the program system of FIG. 7C, embodyingcertain aspects of making the status reporting device of FIGS. 6A and7A;

FIG. 8B shows a detail of FIG. 8A further providing the micro-controllermodule to the system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8C shows a serial protocol list;

FIG. 8D shows a wireless modulation-demodulation scheme list;

FIG. 9A shows a refinement of part of the wirelessmodulation-demodulation scheme list of FIG. 8D;

FIG. 9B shows some refinements of the means of FIGS. 6A and 7A forsensing the state of the container handler;

FIG. 10A shows some refinements of the sensed state of FIGS. 6A and 7A;

FIG. 10B shows a container code characteristic list;

FIG. 10C shows some preferred alternative embodiments of the means foroptically sensing the container code on the container of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 10D shows a further preferred embodiment of the means for sensingthe stacking height, including a stacking height sensor interface to astacking height sensor on the container handler;

FIG. 10E shows a preferred embodiment of the machine state list;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show example views of FIG. 10B, of the container codeoptically viewed on the side of container of FIGS. 1, 3A, and 4A;

FIG. 11C shows an example of the container code text of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 12A shows some details of the crane sensor means list related tomembers of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 12B shows some details of the crane state list related to membersof FIGS. 9B and 10A;

FIG. 12C shows some details of a twistlock state list related to membersof FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12D shows some details of the spreader state list related tomembers of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12E shows some details of the landing state list related to membersof FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A shows a refinement of the status reporting device 800 of FIGS.6A and 7A where the sensing means includes coupling to a crane spreaderinterface connection;

FIG. 13B shows a refinement of the status reporting device of FIGS. 6Aand 7A where the sensing means includes coupling to a Programmable LogicController (PLC);

FIG. 14A shows the providing means of FIGS. 6A and 7A further includinga means for coupling the micro-controller module with a means forlocating the container handler;

FIG. 14B shows a detail flowchart: of FIG. 8A further providing themicro-controller module with the coupled means for sensing the state ofthe container handler of FIGS. 6A and 7A;

FIG. 14C shows a detail of FIG. 8A further providing themicro-controller module with the coupled means for locating thecontainer handler of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A shows the means for wirelessly communicating, including themeans for wirelessly determining the location of the container handler;

FIG. 15B shows a detail of the program system of FIGS. 6A and 6B fordetermining and communicating the location of the container handler;

FIG. 16A shows the memory of FIG. 6A including a non-volatile memory;

FIG. 16B shows a detail flowchart of FIG. 8A for installing the programsystem of FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 17 to 20 show various embodiments of the status reporting devicefor the rubber tire gantry crane of FIG. 1 and the quay crane of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 21 to 23 show various embodiments of the status reporting devicefor the side picker of FIG. 3A, the reach stacker of FIG. 4A, the toploader of FIG. 4C, straddle carrier of FIG. 4D; and

FIGS. 24 and 25 shows various embodiments of the status reporting devicefor the UTR truck and/or bomb cart/chassis of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention includes an apparatus and a method of making at least one,preferably many status reporting device 800 for at least one, preferablymany container handler 78. The manufacturing proceeds in a modular,highly efficient manner, which is able to use a relatively small numberof different parts to serve the needs of a wide variety of containerhandlers.

A container handler 78 will refer herein to a device, usually operatedby a human operator, which moves a container 2 of at least twenty feetin length. International commerce primarily uses containers ofapproximately twenty feet to forty five feet in length. Containers whenfilled with cargo may weigh up to 110,000 pounds, or up to 50,000kilograms. The width of the container 2 may be at least eight feet wide.The height of the container may be at least eight feet six inches.

As used herein, a container handler 78 will refer to at least one of themembers of the container handler list 80 shown in FIG. 4B. The containerhandler list 80 includes, but is not limited to, the following.

-   -   The UTR truck 10, the bomb cart 14, and the Rubber Tire Gantry        crane 20, often abbreviated RTG crane are shown in FIG. 1. Note        that the bomb cart 14 is also known as a container chassis, when        the container 2 is tied down. Within container terminals,        containers are not typically tied down to bomb carts.    -   The quay crane 30 is shown in FIG. 2.    -   The side picker 40 is shown in FIG. 3A.    -   The reach stacker 46 is shown in FIG. 4A.    -   The top handler 50 is shown in FIG. 4C.    -   The straddle carrier 54 is shown in FIG. 4D.    -   The chassis rotator 58. The chassis rotator is used to rotate        the chassis used to haul one or more containers. It operations        and requirements are similar to other contain handlers, except        that its rectilinear position is fixed. More relevant for these        container handlers is the use of its location 1900 as an angular        measure of its orientation of the container 2. The means for        determining 1500 the location 1900 consequently may use a shaft        encoding, possibly an optical shaft encoder.

The rubber tire gantry crane 20 of FIG. 1 may be called a transfer craneand/or a TRANSTAINER™. The quay crane 30 of FIG. 2 is sometimes referredto as a PORTAINER™. The side picker 40 of FIG. 3A is also referred to asa side handler or a side hauler. The top loader 50 of FIG. 4C is alsoreferred to as a top picker or top handler.

Some of these container handlers have the ability to lift and/or place acontainer 2. A container handler 78 able to lift and/or place thecontainer is a member of the stacking handler list of FIG. 4B, whichincludes, but is not limited to, the following.

-   -   The rubber tire gantry 20 of FIG. 1 includes a rubber tire        gantry spreader 22.    -   The quay crane 30 of FIG. 2 includes a quay crane spreader,        which is outside the picture.    -   The side picker 40 of FIG. 3A includes a side picker spreader        42.    -   The reach stacker 46 of FIG. 4A includes a reach stacker        spreader 48.    -   The top handler 50 of FIG. 4C includes a top handler spreader        52.    -   The straddle carrier 54 of FIG. 4D includes a straddle carrier        spreader 56.

FIG. 3B shows a stack of containers including first container 60 tofourth container 66 defining what is referred to herein as a stackingheight.

-   -   The stacking height of the first container 60 is usually denoted        as one.    -   The stacking height of the second container 62 is two.    -   The stacking height of the third container 64 is three.    -   And the stacking height of the fourth container 66 is four.    -   While this is a standard designation, any other designation may        be used within a computer, such as numbering as follows, first        container 60 as zero, second container 62 as one, third        container 64 as two, and fourth container 66 as three.    -   In some situations, container stacks may preferably include more        than four container stacked on top of each other, for example,        up to seven containers high.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show two examples of a housing 3000 of the statusreporting device 800 for use on various members of the container handlerlist 80.

-   -   The housing 3000 of FIG. 5A includes a housing mount 3002, by        which it may be preferably attached to a rubber tire gantry        crane 20 of FIG. 1 and/or quay crane 30 of FIG. 2. The housing        3000 may preferably contain at least part of the means for        optical container code sensing 1230.    -   The housing 3000 of FIG. 5B preferably includes a display 3010.        The housing 3000 may preferably be attached to any member of the        container handler list 80.

FIG. 6A shows a system for making 100 a status reporting device 800 fora container handler 78 of FIGS. 13A and 13B. The container handler 78 isa member of the container handler list 80. Some preferred embodiments ofthe status reporting device 800 for specific members of the containerhandler list 80 are shown in FIGS. 17 to 25.

In FIG. 6A, the system for making 100 includes a means for providing 200a micro-controller module 1000.

-   -   The status reporting device 800 includes a first communicative        coupling 1102 of the micro-controller module 1000 with a means        for wirelessly communicating 1100. and    -   The status reporting device 800 includes a second communicative        coupling 1202 of the micro-controller module 1000 with a means        for sensing state 1200 of at least one member of the container        handler list 80 of FIG. 4B.

In FIG. 6A, the system for making 100 also includes means for installing300 a program system 2000. The program system 2000 is installed into 302a memory 1020.

-   -   The micro-controller module 1000 includes an accessible coupling        1022 of a computer 1010 with the memory 1020.    -   The computer 1010 directs the activities of the micro-controller        module 1000 through a program system 2000. The program system        2000 includes program steps residing in the memory 1020 as shown        in FIGS. 6A and 16A.

The method of operating the status reporting device 800 will bediscussed as implemented by the program system 2000. One skilled in theart will recognize that alternative implementations, which may include,but are not limited to, finite state machines, neural networks, and/orinferential engines are possible, feasible, and in certaincircumstances, potentially preferable.

A computer as used herein may include, but is not limited to, aninstruction processor and/or a finite state machine, and/or aninferential engine, and/or a neural network. The instruction processorincludes at least one instruction processing element and at least onedata processing element, each data processing element controlled by atleast one instruction processing element.

An embodiment of the computer, as used herein, may include not only whatsome would consider peripheral circuitry, which may include, but is notlimited to, communications circuitry, memory, memory interfacecircuitry, clocking and timing circuitry, as well as signal protocolinterface circuitry.

-   -   These circuits may be fabricated in the same package as the        computer, sometimes on the same semiconductor substrate as the        computer.    -   While some of these circuits may be discussed separately from        the computer, this is done to clarify the operation of the        invention and is not meant to limit the scope of the claims to        mechanically distinct circuit components.

Embodiments of the status reporting device 800 may include determiningthe location 1900 of a container handler as shown in FIG. 6A.

-   -   These aspects will be discussed later regarding the means for        determining 1500 the location 1900 of the container handler as        in FIGS. 14A to 14C, 15B, 17, 18, 21, 22, and 24.    -   Other alternatives may include, but are not limited to, using a        means for wirelessly communicating 1100 which includes a means        for wirelessly determining 1510 for locating the container        handler, as discussed in FIGS. 15A, 19, 20, 23, and 25. These        aspects of the invention may not require the storage of the        location 1900 in the computer 1010 of FIG. 6A.

Some of the following figures show flowcharts of at least one method ofthe invention, possessing arrows with reference numbers. These arrowswill signify of flow of control and sometimes data supportingimplementations including

-   -   at least one program operation or program thread executing upon        a computer,    -   at least one inferential link in an inferential engine,    -   at least one state transitions in a finite state machine, and/or    -   at least one dominant learned response within a neural network.

The operation of starting a flowchart is designated by an oval with thetext “Start” in it, and refers to at least one of the following.

-   -   Entering a subroutine in a macro instruction sequence in a        computer.    -   Entering into a deeper node of an inferential graph.    -   Directing a state transition in a finite state machine, possibly        while pushing a return state.    -   And triggering a list of neurons in a neural network.

The operation of termination in a flowchart is designated by an ovalwith the text “Exit” in it, and refers to the completion of thoseoperations, which may result in at least one of the following:

-   -   return from a subroutine return,    -   traversal of a higher node in an inferential graph,    -   popping of a previously stored state in a finite state machine,        and/or    -   return to dormancy of the firing neurons of the neural network.

FIG. 6B shows the program system 2000 of FIG. 6A, which the means forinstalling 300 installed into 302 the memory 1020.

-   -   Operation 2012 supports using the means for sensing state 1200        of FIG. 6A for sensing the state of the container handler 78 of        FIGS. 13A and/or 13B, to create a sensed state 1800.    -   Operation 2022 supports using the means for wirelessly        communicating 1100 to communicate the sensed state 1800 of the        container handler 78.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the means for sensing state1200 may further preferably include specific sensors and interfacesbeyond those related with FIGS. 13A and/or 13B.

-   -   FIGS. 17 to 25 outline some variations of sensors,        instrumentation and interfaces which may be preferred for        various types of the container handler 78, which are members of        the container handler list 80 of FIG. 4B.    -   Because of the complexity of FIGS. 17 to 25, the label 1200 will        not be found in the drawings, but will be called out in their        discussion.

FIG. 7A shows a refinement of the status reporting device 800 of FIG.6A. The micro-controller module 1000 further includes a computercommunicative coupling 1032 of the computer 1010 with a NetworkInterface Circuit 1030, denoted as (NIC).

FIG. 7A also shows a refinement of the means for providing 200 themicro-controller module 1000. The means for providing 200 themicro-controller module 1000 further includes:

-   -   A means for coupling 210, which creates the coupling 212 of the        network coupling 1104 of the network interface circuit 1030 with        the means for wirelessly communicating 1100.    -   A means for sensor coupling 220, which creates the sensor        coupling 222 of the sensor coupling the micro-controller module        1000 to 1202 the means for sensing state 1200 of the container        handler. This mechanism and process is similar to the various        embodiments of the means for coupling 210 which creates the        coupling 212, which will be described in greater detail.

FIG. 7B shows a detail flowchart of operation 2022 of FIG. 6B furtherusing the means for wirelessly communicating 1100. Operation 2052interacts via the computer communicative coupling 1032 with the networkinterface circuit 1030 via the network coupling 1104 with the means forwirelessly communicating 1100 to communicate the sensed state 1800 forthe container handler.

FIG. 7C shows a further, often preferred, embodiment of the system formaking 100 the status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A.

-   -   The system for making 100 may include a second computer 500 at        least partly directing the creation of the status reporting        device 800.    -   The second computer 500 may at least partly first direct 502 the        means for providing 200 the micro-controller module 1000.    -   The second computer 500 may at least partly second direct 504        the means for installing 300 the program system 2000.    -   The communications coupling between the second computer 500 with        the means for providing 200 and the means for installing 300 may        be a shared coupling, and the first direct 502 and the second        direct 504 may use an addressing scheme for message or        communications addressed to these means.

In FIG. 7C, the system for making 100 further includes the following.

-   -   A second accessible coupling 512 of the second computer 500 with        a second memory 510.    -   A second program system 2500 includes program steps residing in        the second memory 510.    -   The second computer 500 is at least partly controlled by the        program steps of the second program system 2500, which are        provided through the second accessible coupling 512 of the        second memory 510.    -   The second program system 2500 may be considered to embody the        method of manufacture, by directing the means for providing 200        and the means for installing 300 to create the status reporting        device 800.

FIG. 8A shows a flowchart of the second program system 2500 of FIG. 7C,embodying certain aspects of the invention's method of making the statusreporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A, which includes the followingoperations.

-   -   Operation 2512 directs the means for providing 200 to provide        202 the micro-controller module 1000 of FIGS. 6A and 7A.    -   Operation 2522 directs the means for installing 300 to install        302 the program system 2000 of FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B, into the        memory 1020.

In FIG. 8A, the operation 2512 directing the means for providing 200 toprovide 202 the micro-controller module 1000 of FIGS. 6A and 7A mayinvolve the following in certain preferred embodiments.

-   -   The act of providing the micro-controller module 1000 may        include, but is not limited to, fetching the module into an        assembly work station, and/or positioning it for attachment to        cables and test instruments.    -   The micro-controller module 1000 is provided with a first        communicative coupling 1102 with the means for wirelessly        communicating 1100.    -   The micro-controller module 1000 is also provided with a second        communicative coupling 1202 to the means for sensing state 1200        for the container handler.

In FIG. 8A, the operation 2522 directing the means for installing 300 toinstall 302 the program system 2000 of FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B, into thememory 1020 may involve the following in certain preferred embodiments.

-   -   An accessible coupling 1022 of the memory 1020 and the computer        1010 supports the program system 2000 at least partly directing        the computer 1010.    -   In certain preferred embodiments, the program system 2000 is        installed 302 from a program system library 2400, as shown in        FIG. 7C. The program system 2000 may be installed 302 using a        wireline network interface circuit 1030, and/or using the means        for wirelessly communicating 1100. The memory 1020 may        preferably include at least one non-volatile memory component.        The non-volatile memory component may preferably include a flash        memory device. The installation may preferably include        programming the flash memory component to install 302 the        program system 2000.    -   The program system library 2400 may include multiple versions of        the program system 2000, for use in controlling various        embodiments of the status reporting device 800 created by the        manufacturing process of the system for making 100.

FIG. 8B shows a detail of operation 2512 of FIG. 8A further providingthe micro-controller module 1000. Operation 2552 supports creating thecoupling 212 of the network interface circuit 1030 to 1104 the means forwirelessly communicating 1100.

In FIGS. 7A and 8B, the network interface circuit 1030 may preferablysupport at least one wireline communications protocol via the networkcoupling 1104 with the means for wirelessly communicating 1100.

The wireline communications protocol may support a version of at leastone member of a serial protocol list 2100 shown in FIG. 8C, includingthe following.

-   -   A Synchronous Serial Interface protocol 2101, sometimes        abbreviated SSI.    -   An Ethernet protocol 2102.    -   A Serial Peripheral Interface 2103, sometimes abbreviated SPI.    -   An RS-232 protocol 2104.    -   An Inter-IC protocol 2105, sometimes abbreviated 12C.    -   An Universal Serial Bus protocol 2106, sometimes abbreviated        USB.    -   A Controller Area Network protocol 2107, sometimes abbreviated        CAN.    -   A Firewire protocol 2108, which includes implementations the        IEEE 1394 communications standard.    -   An RS-485 protocol 2109.    -   An RS-422 protocol 2111.

In FIGS. 6A, 7A and 7C, the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 maypreferably support communicating using at least one version of at leastone member of a wireless modulation-demodulation scheme list 2110 shownin FIG. 8D. The wireless modulation-demodulation scheme list 2110includes, but is not limited to, the following.

-   -   A Time Division Multiple Access scheme 2112, sometimes        abbreviated TDMA.    -   A Frequency Division Multiple Access scheme 2114, sometimes        abbreviated FDMA.    -   And a Spread Spectrum Scheme 2115, which may include variations        on one or more of the following:    -   A Code Division Multiple Access scheme 2116, sometimes        abbreviated CDMA.    -   A Frequency Hopping Multiple Access scheme 2118, sometimes        abbreviated FHMA.    -   A Time Hopping Multiple Access scheme 2120, sometimes        abbreviated THMA.    -   And an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple access scheme        2122, sometimes abbreviated OFDM.

FIG. 9A shows a refinement of part of the wirelessmodulation-demodulation scheme list 2110 of FIG. 8D, which includes thefollowing.

-   -   At least one version of the Time Division Multiple Access scheme        2112 (TDMA) may preferably include a GSM access scheme 2130.    -   At least one version of the Frequency Division Multiple Access        scheme 2114 (FDMA) may preferably include an AMPs scheme 2132.    -   At least one version of the Code Division Multiple Access scheme        2116 (CDMA) may preferably include at least one member of the        CDMA scheme list 2150.    -   At least one version of the Orthogonal Frequency Division        Multiple access scheme 2122 (OFDM) may preferably include at        least one IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134. At least one version        of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134 may include the IEEE        802.11b access scheme 2136. At least one version of the IEEE        802.11 access scheme 2134 may include the IEEE 802.11g access        scheme 2135.    -   At least one version of the Spread Spectrum Scheme 2115 uses the        Ansi 371.1 scheme 2138 for radio frequency identification and/or        location tags.

In FIG. 9A, the CDMA scheme list 2150 may preferably include, but is notlimited to,

-   -   An IS-95 access scheme 2152, which uses at least one spreading        code to in modulating and demodulating an access channel.    -   A Wideband CDMA access scheme 2154, sometimes abbreviated        W-CDMA. W-CDMA schemes use not only a spreading code, but also a        scattering code to modulate and demodulate an access channel.

FIG. 9B shows some refinements of the means for sensing state 1200 ofthe container handler of FIGS. 6A and 7A. Note that the preferred statusreporting device 800 for various of the container handler 78 may includeone or more of the means for sensing state 1200 shown in this Figure.The means for sensing state 1200 of the container handler may preferablyinclude at least one of the following

-   -   A means for sensing operator identity 1210, which provides 1212        a sensed operator identity 1214.    -   A means for sensing container presence 1220, which second        provides 1222 a sensed container present 1224.    -   A means for optical container code sensing 1230, which third        provides 1232 an optical container characteristic 1234.    -   A means for radio frequency tag sensing 1250 of a radio        frequency tag on the container 2 fourth providing 1252 a        container radio frequency tag 1254.    -   A means for container stack height sensing 1260 of the container        2 fifth providing 1262 a container stack height 1264. In certain        embodiments the means for container stack height sensing 1260        may preferably include a cam switch.    -   At least one means for sensing a machine state list member 1270        of the container handler, sixth providing 1272 a machine state        list member 1274 of the machine state list 1850, shown in FIG.        10E.    -   At least one crane sensor means list member 1280 seventh        providing 1282 at least one crane state list member 1284 of a        crane state list 1400 of FIG. 12B. The crane sensor means list        member 1280 is a member of the crane sensor means list 1300        shown in FIG. 12A.    -   A means for sensing container size 1216 seventeenth providing        1218 a container size 1226. The container size 1226 may        preferably be denoted similarly to the spreader state list 1420        of FIG. 12D. In certain embodiments, for example for use on a        UTR truck 10, the means for sensing container size 1216 may        include an ultrasonic sensor to estimate the container size on        the back of a bomb cart 14. The ultrasonic sensors measures the        delay in an echo from the side of the container 2 to estimate        its container size 1226.    -   A means for sensing container weight 1228 eighteenth providing        1240 a container weight 1242.    -   And a means for sensing container damage 1244 nineteenth        providing 1246 a container damage estimate 1248.

In FIG. 9B, the various combinations of some or all of the providingsmay be similarly implemented.

-   -   Among providings similarly implemented, these providings may        share a single communication mechanism with the computer 1010.    -   Among providings similarly implemented, these providings may use        multiple communication mechanisms with the computer 1010.

In FIG. 9B, some or all of the providings may be distinctly implemented.

In FIG. 9B, the providings may include at least one instance of thefollowing:

-   -   provides 1212 a sensed operator identity 1214,    -   second provides 1222 a sensed container present 1224,    -   third provides 1232 an optical container characteristic 1234,    -   fourth providing 1252 a container radio frequency tag 1254,    -   fifth providing 1262 a container stack height 1264,    -   sixth providing 1272 a machine state list member 1274,    -   seventh providing 1282 at least one crane state list member 1284        of the crane state list 1400 shown in FIG. 12B,    -   seventeenth providing 1218 a container size 1226,    -   eighteenth providing 1240 a container weight 1242, and    -   nineteenth providing 1246 a container damage estimate 1248.

By way of example, the seventh providing 1282 of FIG. 9B, for a rubbertire gantry crane 20 or a straddle carrier 54, may preferably use atleast one of the Synchronous Serial Interface protocol 2101, the RS-232Protocol 2104, the RS-422 Protocol 2111 and/or the RS-485 Protocol 2109.

-   -   The crane sensor means list member 1280 may preferably include        the means for sensing trolley position 1360 fourteenth providing        1362 a trolley position 1364 as in FIG. 12A.    -   The crane sensor means list member 1280 may preferably include        the means for sensing hoist height 1370 fifteenth providing 1372        a hoist height 1374.    -   The means for sensing trolley position 1360 and/or the means for        sensing hoist height 1370 may preferably include a rotary        absolute optical encoder with either a hollow shaft or standard        shaft.

FIG. 10A shows some refinements of the sensed state 1800 of FIGS. 6A and7A based upon the means for sensing state 1200 of FIG. 9B. The sensedstate 1800 may preferably include at least one of the following,

-   -   The sensed operator identity 1214.    -   The sensed container present 1224. The sensed container present        1224 may preferably be a boolean value of true or false.    -   The optical container characteristic 1234.    -   The container radio frequency tag 1254.    -   The container stack height 1264. The container stack height 1264        may be interpreted as in the discussion of FIG. 3B.    -   At least one instance of at least one machine state list member        1274.    -   At least one of the crane state list members 1284.    -   The container size 1226.    -   The container weight 1242.    -   The container damage estimate 1248.

The optical container characteristic 1234 of FIGS. 9B and 10A maypreferably include at least one instance of a member of a container codecharacteristic list 1700, shown in FIG. 10B, which may preferablyinclude

-   -   a container code text 1702,    -   a view 1704 of the container code 4 of the container 2, and    -   a compression 1706 of the view 1704 of the container code 4 of        the container 2.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show examples of the view 1704 in FIG. 10B, of thecontainer code 4 optically viewed on the side of the container 2 ofFIGS. 1, 3A, and 4A. The view 1704 of the container code 4 maypreferably and alternatively be viewed on any of the vertical sides ofthe container 2.

-   -   The compression 1706 of the view 1704 may include, but is not        limited to, a still frame compression and/or a motion sequence        compression of a succession of frames of views.    -   The compression 1706 may be at least partly the result of        applying a two dimensional (2-D) block transform, such as the        2-D Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and/or a 2-D wavelet filter        bank.    -   Alternatively, the compression 1706 may be at least partly the        result of a fractal compression method.

FIG. 11C shows an example of the container code text 1702 of FIG. 10B.

-   -   The container code text 1702 may be at least partly the result        of optical character recognition applied to the view 1704 of        FIG. 11B.    -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230 of FIG. 9B may        include optical character recognition capabilities, which may be        embodied as a separate optical character recognition hardware        module or as a separate optical character recognition program        system.    -   The separate optical character recognition hardware module may        reside within the means for optical container code sensing 1230        and/or may be coupled to the means for optical container code        sensing 1230.    -   The separate optical character recognition program system may        reside within the means for optical container code sensing 1230        and/or may be coupled to the means for optical container code        sensing 1230.

The status reporting device 800 of FIG. 6A may include an opticalcharacteristic system as the means for optical container code sensing1230 of FIG. 9B, in housing 3000 of FIGS. 1, 2, 5A and 5B.

-   -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230 may include at        least one and preferably two of the video imaging device 1238 of        FIG. 10C, housed in a first housing 3100 and a second housing        3110 as in FIGS. 1 and 2.    -   The first housing 3100 and the second housing 3110 may be        mechanically coupled to a container handler 20 or 30 as in FIGS.        1 and 2.    -   The status reporting device 800 may also include at least one,        and preferably more than one, light 3120. The lights 3120 may be        controlled through interaction with the invention.    -   The mechanical coupling of the means for optical container code        sensing 1230 to the rubber tire gantry crane 20 may preferably        include a mechanical shock absorber to improve reliability.

FIG. 10C shows some preferred alternative embodiments of the means foroptical container code sensing 1230 of FIG. 9B. The means for opticalcontainer code sensing 1230 of the container code 4 on the container 2may preferably include any combination of the following.

-   -   A video interface 1236 to receive at least one optical container        characteristic 1234 of the container code 4.    -   At least one video imaging device 1238 to create at least one        optical container characteristic 1234 of the container code. The        video imaging device 1238 may be in a separate housing and/or        location as shown by the first housing 3100 and/or the second        housing 3110 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5A.    -   At least one image processor 1239 may process and/or create at        least one of the optical container characteristic 1234.    -   The video imaging device 1238 may belong to a list including at        least a video camera, a digital video camera, and a charged        coupled array.    -   The video imaging device 1238 may further include any of the        following: a computer, a digital memory, an instance of the        image processor 1239 and/or a flash lighting system.

FIG. 10D shows a further preferred embodiment of the means for containerstack height sensing 1260, including a stacking height sensor interface1266 to a stacking height sensor on the container handler 78. Onestacking height sensor, which may be preferred, is a draw wire encoder.

-   -   The draw wire encoder may be preferred when the container        handler is at least one of the following: the rubber tire gantry        crane 20, the side picker 40, the top loader 50, the reach        stacker 46, and/or the straddle carrier 54.    -   Alternatively, the stacking height sensor may be an        absolute/hollow shaft encoder.

FIG. 10E shows a preferred embodiment of the machine state list 1850.The machine state list 1850 may include, but is not limited to,

-   -   a reverse motion 1852,    -   a frequent stops count 1854,    -   a collision state 1856,    -   a fuel level 1858,    -   a compass reading 1860,    -   a wind speed 1862. In certain embodiments, the wind speed may        further indicate a wind direction,    -   a vehicle speed 1864, and    -   a vehicle braking system state 1866.    -   In some preferred embodiments, the means for sensing a machine        state list member 1270, the machine state list member 1274        includes the vehicle speed 1864, may preferably include a drive        shaft sensor counting the drive shaft revolutions.

FIG. 12A shows some details of the crane sensor means list 1300 relatedto at least one instance of the crane sensor means list member 1280 ofFIG. 9B. The crane sensor means list 1300 preferably includes at leastone of the following

-   -   A means for twistlock sensing 1310 eighth providing 1312 a        twistlock sensed state 1314.    -   The means for spreader sensing 1320 to ninth provide 1322 a        spreader sensed state 1324.    -   The means for sensing container landing 1330 to tenth provide        1332 a sensed landing state 1334.    -   The means for sensing trolley position 1360 fourteenth providing        1362 a trolley position 1364.    -   The means for sensing hoist height 1370 fifteenth providing 1372        a hoist height 1374.    -   The means for sensing trolley position 1360 and/or the means for        sensing hoist height 1370 may preferably include a rotary        absolute optical encoder with either a hollow shaft or standard        shaft.

In FIG. 12A, the twistlock sensed state 1314, preferably, is a member ofa twistlock state list 1410 shown in FIG. 12C. FIG. 12C shows thetwistlock state list 1410 including a twistlock-on state 1412 and atwistlock-off state 1414.

In FIG. 12A, the spreader sensed state 1324, preferably is a member of aspreader state list 1420 shown in FIG. 12D. FIG. 12D shows the spreaderstate list 1420 including a ten foot container spread 1421, a twentyfoot container spread 1422, a thirty foot container spread 1428, a fortyfoot container spread 1424, and a forty-five foot container spread 1426.

-   -   Various embodiments may support the spreader sensed state 1324        limited to a subset of the spreader state list 1420.    -   By way of example, in certain preferred embodiments, the        spreader sensed state 1324 may be limited to a subset of the        spreader state list 1420 consisting of the twenty foot container        spread 1422 and the forty foot container spread 1424.

In FIG. 12A, the sensed landing state 1334, preferably, is a member of alanding state list 1430 shown in FIG. 12E. FIG. 12E shows the landingstate list 1430 including a landed state 1432 and a not-landed state1434.

FIG. 12B shows some details of the crane state list 1400 related to thecrane state list member 1284 of FIGS. 9B and 10A. The crane state list1400 preferably includes at least one of the following

-   -   The twistlock sensed state 1314,    -   The spreader sensed state 1324,    -   The sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 13A shows a refinement of the status reporting device 800 of FIGS.6A and 7A where the means for sensing state 1200 includes a cranespreader interface connection 1340.

-   -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340 preferably provides        at least one member of the crane state list 1400 as shown in        FIG. 12B.    -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340 eleventh provides        1344 the twistlock sensed state 1314.    -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340 twelfth provides        1346 the spreader sensed state 1324.    -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340 thirteenth provides        1348 the sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 13A also shows the status reporting device 800 with the means forsensing state 1200 of the container handler 78 including a crane sensorcoupling 1342 of the computer 1010 of FIGS. 6A and 7A to the cranespreader interface connection 1340.

-   -   The crane sensor coupling 1342 may preferably include conversion        circuitry interfaced to parallel input and/or output ports of        the computer 1010. The conversion circuitry may interface AC        lines through relays.    -   In certain embodiments, the crane sensor coupling 1342 may be        included in the second communicative coupling 1202 of the        micro-controller module 1000 with the means for sensing state        1200.    -   Alternatively, the crane sensor coupling 1342 may not be        included in the second communicative coupling 1202 of the        micro-controller module 1000 with the means for sensing state        1200.

By way of example, the crane spreader interface connection 1340 of FIG.13A may contain the spreader sensed state 1324 as two signals.

-   -   The two signals are the “spreader is at least twenty foot”, and        the “spreader is at forty foot”.    -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true and the        “spreader is at forty foot” is false, then the sensed spreader        state 1324 indicates the crane spreader is set for twenty foot.    -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true and the        “spreader is at forty foot” is true, then the sensed spreader        state 1324 indicates the crane spreader set for forty foot.

By way of example, the crane spreader interface connection 1340 of FIG.13A may contain the spreader sensed state 1324 as three signals.

-   -   The two signals are the “spreader is at least at twenty foot”,        the “spreader is at forty foot”, and the “spreader is at least        forty-five foot”.    -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true, the        “spreader is at forty foot” is false, and the “spreader is at        least forty-five foot” is false, then the sensed spreader state        1324 indicates the crane spreader is set for twenty foot.    -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true, the        “spreader is at forty foot” is true, and the “spreader is at        least forty-five foot” is false then the sensed spreader state        1324 indicates the crane spreader set for forty foot.    -   If the “spreader is at least at twenty foot” is true, the        “spreader is at forty foot” is true, and the “spreader is at        least forty-five foot” is true then the sensed spreader state        1324 indicates the crane spreader set for forty-five foot.

In FIG. 13A, some or all of the providings may be similarly implemented.Among those providings similarly implemented, they may use the same ofdifferent mechanisms to provide. Alternatively, some of the providingsmay be distinctly implemented. The providings of FIG. 13A include

-   -   The eleventh provides 1344 the twistlock sensed state 1314.    -   The twelfth provides 1346 the spreader sensed state 1324.    -   The thirteenth provides 1348 the sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 13B shows a refinement of the status reporting device 800 of FIGS.6A and 7A, with the means for sensing state 1200 of the containerhandler 78, including a Programmable Logic Controller 1350, which issometimes denoted PLC.

-   -   The Programmable Logic Controller 1350 preferably provides at        least one member of the crane state list 1400 as shown in FIG.        12B.    -   Preferably, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 may        fourteenth provide 1354 the twistlock sensed state 1314.    -   Preferably, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 may fifteenth        provide 1356 the spreader sensed state 1324.    -   Preferably, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 may sixteenth        provide 1358 the sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 13B also shows the status reporting device 800 including a secondcrane sensor coupling 1352 of the computer 1010 of FIGS. 6A, 7A and 13Awith the Programmable Logic Controller 1350.

-   -   The second crane sensor coupling 1352 may preferably include a        serial communications coupling 1352.    -   The serial communications coupling 1352 preferably supports a        version of at least one member of a serial protocol list 2100 of        FIG. 8C.

In FIG. 13B, some or all of the providings may be similarly implemented.Among those providings similarly implemented, they may use the same ofdifferent mechanisms to provide. Alternatively, some of the providingsmay be distinctly implemented. The providings of FIG. 13B include

-   -   The fourteenth provide 1354 the twistlock sensed state 1314.    -   The fifteenth provide 1356 the spreader sensed state 1324.    -   The sixteenth provide 1358 the sensed landing state 1334.

In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the container handler 78 may preferably be aversion of a member of the container handler list 80 of FIG. 4B. Thecontainer handler 78 may also be an assembly of two or more members ofthe container handler list 80. By way of example, the container handler78 may include the UTR truck 10 of FIG. 1 attached to the Bomb cart 14.In certain situations, the UTR truck 10 may be attached to an over theroad chassis.

FIG. 14A shows the means for providing 200 of FIGS. 6A and 7A furtherincluding a means for location coupling 230. The means for locationcoupling 230 assembles 232 the micro-controller module 1000 with a meansfor determining 1500 location the container handler.

FIG. 14B shows a detail flowchart of operation 2512 of FIG. 8A furtherproviding the micro-controller module 1000 with the coupled means 1200for sensing the state of the container handler of FIGS. 6A and 7A.Operation 2562 supports providing the micro-controller module 1000 withthe second communicative coupling 1202 to the means for sensing state1200 of the container handler.

FIG. 14C shows a detail of operation 2512 of FIG. 8A further providingthe micro-controller module 1000 coupled with the means for determining1500 the location the container handler of FIG. 14A. Operation 2572supports providing the micro-controller module 1000 communicativelycoupling 1502 to a means for determining 1500 the location of thecontainer handler.

In FIG. 14A, the means for determining 1500 may include one or more ofthe following:

-   -   An interface to a Global Positioning System (GPS).    -   An interface to a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS).    -   A means for wirelessly determining location, such as by use of a        local wireless network providing timed signal bursts from        multiple antenna sites within the local wireless network.    -   A radio location-tag unit.

As used herein, GPS is a satellite communications system, which supportsdetermining the location of a receiver. DGPS is a refinement of the GPSusing an earth-based reference station to support positional accuracy towithin a meter.

FIG. 15A shows the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 including themeans for wirelessly determining 1510 the location of the containerhandler. The means for wirelessly determining 1510 may include one ormore of the following:

-   -   An interface to the Global Positioning System (GPS).    -   An interface to the Differential Global Positioning System        (DGPS).    -   Alternatively, the means for wirelessly determining 1510 may        provide timed signal bursts to multiple antenna sites within the        local wireless network to support the wireless network        determining the location of itself. This means for wirelessly        determining 1510 may not require the use or storage of an        estimate of the location 1900 in the memory 1020 accessed 1022        by the computer 1010, as shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 15B shows a detail of the program system 2000 of FIGS. 6A and 6Bfor determining and communicating the location of the container handler78.

-   -   Operation 2072 supports using the means 1500 of FIG. 14A for        locating the container handler 78 to, at least partly, determine        the location 1900 of the container handler 78.    -   Operation 2082 uses the means for wirelessly communicating 1100        to communicate the location 1900.

In FIG. 15A, the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may furtherinclude a radio location-tag unit.

-   -   In certain preferred embodiments, the radio location-tag unit        may act as the means for wirelessly determining 1510 the        location 1900 of the container handler 78.    -   The radio location-tag unit may further support a national        and/or international standard, which may include, but is not        limited to, a version of ANSI 371.1 standard for radio location        tags.    -   In such embodiments, the local computer 1010 may not require the        location 1900 present in memory 1020, as shown in FIG. 6A.    -   In such embodiments, the need for the program system 2000 to        determine location may be non-existent, removing the presence of        the operation of FIG. 15B.

FIG. 16A shows the memory 1020 of FIG. 6A including a non-volatilememory 1024. The computer 1010 may preferably access 1022 thenon-volatile memory 1024, similarly to the discussion of FIG. 6A. Thenon-volatile memory 1024 may include at least part of the program system2000.

FIG. 16B shows a detail flowchart of operation 2522 of FIG. 8A furtherinstalling the program system 2000 of FIG. 6A.

-   -   Operation 2592 supports altering at least part of the        non-volatile memory 1024 of FIG. 16A to install at least part of        at least one program step of the program system 2000.    -   Operation 2602 supports installing a memory module including at        least part of at least one of the program steps residing in the        non-volatile memory 1024 to create at least part of the memory        1020 accessed 1022 by the computer 1010.

FIGS. 17 to 20 show various status reporting devices 800 for the rubbertire gantry crane 20 of FIG. 1. Similar embodiments are useful with thequay crane 30 of FIG. 2. In FIGS. 17 to 20, the means for sensing state1200 is disclosed in terms of the details of its contents andcommunications.

FIG. 17 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating throughcouplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100,    -   The display 3010, may preferably be a Liquid Crystal Display,        and    -   The means for sensing state 1200 includes the following:    -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,    -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,    -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270,    -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340,    -   The means for determining 1500 location, further including a        Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), and    -   A second means for determining 1500-B location, which preferably        includes a means for sensing laser trolley position.        Alternatively, this may incorporate a draw wire and/or rotary        encoder.

In FIG. 17, the means for sensing a machine state list member 1270provides the frequent stops count 1854, the collision state 1856, thefuel level 1858, the wind speed 1862, and the vehicle speed 1864.

In FIGS. 17 and 20, the means for sensing state 1200 also provides, viathe crane sensor coupling 1342, the following to the computer 1010:

-   -   The twistlock sensed state 1314,    -   The spreader sensed state 1324, which may further preferably        include    -   the spreader sense state at twenty foot 1324-20, and    -   the spread sense state at forty foot 1324-40, and    -   the sensed landing state 1334.

FIG. 18 shows the status reporting device 800 communicates via couplingswith

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100, which preferably        includes a wireless modem preferably supporting a version of the        IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134, preferably the IEEE 802.11b        access scheme 2136. Alternatively, the wireless modem may        support an Radio Frequency IDentification (RF ID) protocol.    -   The display 3010, and    -   The means for sensing state 1200, which preferably includes the        following    -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,    -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,    -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which        provides the frequent stops count 1854, the collision state        1856, the fuel level 1858 and the wind speed 1862.    -   The Programmable Logic Controller 1350, and    -   The means for determining 1500 location, preferably using the        Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) of FIG. 14A,

In FIG. 18, the computer 1010 couples through the Programmable LogicController 1350 with the following:

-   -   at least one means for container stack height sensing 1260, and    -   a second means for determining 1500-B location, which preferably        includes a means for sensing laser trolley position.

FIG. 19 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating viacouplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100, which further        includes the means for wirelessly determining 1510 location of        FIG. 15A. The means for wirelessly determining 1510 may        preferably include a radio frequency tag device.    -   The display 3010.    -   And the means for sensing state 1200 which includes    -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,    -   The Programmable Logic Controller 1350.    -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which        preferably provides the frequent stops count 1854, the collision        state 1856, the fuel level 1858, and the wind speed 1862.    -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210, similar to 1210 of        FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 20 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating viacouplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may preferably        include the means for wirelessly determining 1510 location of        FIG. 15A, which may preferably include a radio frequency tag        device.    -   The display 3010.    -   And the means for sensing state 1200 which includes    -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,    -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,    -   The crane spreader interface connection 1340,    -   The second means for determining 1500-B location, and    -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which        provides the frequent stops count 1854, the collision state        1856, the fuel level 1858, the wind speed 1862, and vehicle        speed 1864.

In FIGS. 17 to 19, a second means 1500-B for determining the location ofthe container handler is used. The second means 1500-B may preferably bea trolley position sensor, which may be laser based. The second means1500-B may preferably communicatively couple 1502-B via an RS-232interface with the status reporting device 800.

FIGS. 17 to 23 show the means for container stack height sensing 1260.

-   -   Preferably, the means for container stack height sensing 1260        may include at least one cam shaft and/or at least one hoist        position encoder when used with the rubber tire gantry crane 20        of FIG. 1.    -   Preferably, the means for container stack height sensing 1260        may include at least one cam shaft and/or at least one hoist        position encoder when used with the quay crane 30 of FIG. 2.    -   These interact with one or more sensors of the sensor        hoist-stack position to sense the stack height for a rubber tire        gantry crane 20 or quay crane 30.    -   The means for sensing the stack height 1260 may involve as many        as eight separate sensor states, which may indicate whether        their respective stack location is occupied. Containers may be        preferably stacked as high as seven containers.

FIGS. 21 to 23 show various status reporting devices 800 for use withsome or all of the following container handlers 78, which are members ofthe container handler list 80 of FIG. 4B:

-   -   The side picker 40 shown in FIG. 3A.    -   The reach stacker 46 shown in FIG. 4A.    -   The top handler 50 shown in FIG. 4C.    -   The straddle carrier 54 shown in FIG. 4D.

In FIGS. 21 to 23, the means for sensing state 1200 is disclosed in thedetails of its contents and communications.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 ofFIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40, the top handler 50and/or the straddle carrier 54, as well as the status reporting device800 of FIGS. 17 to 20, for use with the rubber tire gantry crane 20, maysense the following.

-   -   The length of time the vehicle has run since it was started.    -   The compass reading 1860.    -   When the spreader has landed on a container 2 as the sensed        landing state 1334.    -   When the spreader has locked on the container.    -   The container size 1226, which is preferably one of the members        of the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D. Further, the        container size may preferably be one of the twenty foot        container spread 1422, the forty foot container spread 1424 and        the forty-five foot container spread 1426.    -   The container stack height 1264 may preferably range from one to        seven containers in height. This may be preferably be measured        in feet.    -   The reverse motion 1852.    -   The fuel level 1858 may be optionally provided.    -   And the sensed operator identity 1214 may be optionally        provided.    -   In certain embodiments, the status reporting device 800 may use        the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 instead of the means        for determining 1500 the location 1900. The means for wirelessly        communicating 1100 may sensed by an external radio system to        determine the container handler location. This may be preferred        in terms of the cost of production of the status reporting        device.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 ofFIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40, the top handler 50and/or the straddle carrier 54, as well as the status reporting device800 of FIGS. 17 to 20, for use with the rubber tire gantry crane 20, mayimplemented to include the following.

-   -   The means for spreader sensing 1320 may include a magnetic        proximity switch on and/or near the status reporting device 800.    -   The reverse sensor may be communicatively coupled with the        reverse buzzer on the vehicle.    -   The sixth providing 1272 of the compass reading 1860 may use the        RS-422 protocol 2111.    -   The means for sensing container landing 1330 may include a        proximity switch on and/or near the status reporting device 800.    -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may be used to        provide location of the vehicle. It may be further preferred        that there are multiple means for wirelessly communicating,        which may further preferably embody a radio frequency tag        technology, including a version of the ANSI 371.1 scheme 2138.        The radio frequency tag technology may preferably be compatible        with the WHERENET™ products.    -   The first communicative coupling 1102 of the means for        wirelessly communicating 1100 and the micro-controller module        1000 may use the RS-485 protocol 2109.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 ofFIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40 and/or the top handler50, may implemented to further include the following.

-   -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260 may include a        draw wire encoder. The fifth providing 1262 of the container        stack height 1264 may preferably use the RS-422 protocol 2111.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 ofFIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the straddle carrier 54, as well as thestatus reporting device 800 of FIGS. 17 to 20, for use with the rubbertire gantry crane 20, may implemented to include the following.

-   -   The means for sensing hoist height 1370 may include a hollow        shaft or a shafted optical absolute encoder. The fifteenth        providing 1372 of the hoist height 1374 may preferably use the        RS-422 protocol 2111 and/or the Synchronous Serial Interface        protocol 2101.    -   The means for sensing trolley position 1360 may include a hollow        shaft or a shafted optical absolute encoder. The fourteenth        providing 1362 of the trolley position 1364 may preferably use        the RS-422 protocol 2111 and/or the Synchronous Serial Interface        protocol 2101.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 ofFIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40, the top handler 50and/or the straddle carrier 54, as well as of FIGS. 17 to 20 for therubber tire gantry crane 20, may be implemented using a programmablelogic controller 1350 as in FIG. 13B. The following may be preferred insuch situations.

-   -   The sixth providing 1272 of the compass reading 1860 may use the        RS-422 protocol 2111.    -   The first communicative coupling 1102 of the means for        wirelessly communicating 1100 and the micro-controller module        1000 may use the RS-485 protocol 2109.

In certain preferred embodiments, the status reporting device 800 ofFIGS. 21 to 23, for use with the side picker 40, the top handler 50,and/or the straddle carrier 54, as well as of FIGS. 17 to 20 for therubber tire gantry crane 20, may use a second display 3020.

-   -   It may be preferred to send the human operator messages that are        displayed on the second display. These messages may include        directions to pickup a container 2 from a communicated location        in the terminal yard.    -   Preferably, the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 supports        a bi-directional communications protocol. The bi-directional        communications protocol may preferably support a version of the        IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134.    -   The bi-directional communications protocol may further support        the reprogramming of non-volatile memory 1024.    -   A location tag associated with the vehicle may be commanded to        blink.    -   The use of a display 3010 supporting operator interactions may        require a bi-directional communications protocol.

FIG. 21 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating viacouplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100.    -   The display 3010.    -   The second display 3020.    -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 21, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,    -   The means for sensing container presence 1220,    -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230,    -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which        provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,        the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, the compass        reading 1860, and the vehicle speed 1864,    -   The Programmable Logic Controller 1350, and    -   The means for determining 1500 location.

In FIGS. 18, 19, and 21, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 furtherprovides the computer 1010, via the second crane sensor coupling 1352,with the following:

-   -   The twistlock sensed state 1314,    -   By way of example, the spreader sensed state 1324, may further        preferably include the spreader sense state at twenty foot        1324-20, and the spread sense state at forty foot 1324-40, and    -   the sensed landing state 1334.    -   The spreader sensed state 1324 may include other sizes, examples        of which are shown in the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D.

In FIGS. 18, 19, and 21, the Programmable Logic Controller 1350 furtherprovides the computer 1010, via the second crane sensor coupling 1352,with the states of the means for container stack height sensing 1260.The Programmable Logic Controller 1350 may also sometimes preferablyprovide the spreader sensed state 1324.

FIG. 22 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating viacouplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100.    -   The display 3010.    -   The second display 3020.    -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 22, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,    -   The means for sensing container presence 1220,    -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230,    -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,    -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which        provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,        the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, and the compass        reading 1860, and    -   The twistlock sensed state 1314, the spreader sensed state 1324,        which may further preferably include the spreader sense state at        twenty foot 1324-20, and the spread sense state at forty foot        1324-40, and the sensed landing state 1334. The spreader sensed        state 1324 may include other sizes, examples of which are shown        in the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D.    -   The means for determining 1500 location.

FIG. 23 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating viacouplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100.    -   The display 3010.    -   The second display 3020.    -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 23, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210,    -   The means for sensing container presence 1220,    -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230,    -   The means for container stack height sensing 1260,    -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which        provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,        the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, the compass        reading 1860, and the vehicle speed 1864, and    -   The twistlock sensed state 1314, the spreader sensed state 1324,        which may further preferably include the spreader sense state at        twenty foot 1324-20, and the spread sense state at forty foot        1324-40, and the sensed landing state 1334.    -   The spreader sensed state 1324 may include other sizes, examples        of which are shown in the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show various embodiments of the status reporting device800 for the UTR truck 10 of FIG. 1. In these Figures the means forsensing state 1200 is disclosed in the details of its contents andcommunications. The UTR truck may be attached to the bomb cart 14, or achassis 14, where the container 2 may be tied down.

FIG. 24, shows the status reporting device 800 communicating viacouplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100.    -   The display 3010.    -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 24, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210.    -   The means for sensing container size 1216. This may preferably        use an ultrasonic sensor.    -   The means for sensing container presence 1220.    -   The means for optical container code sensing 1230.    -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which        provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,        the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, and the vehicle        speed 1864. It may be preferred that the means for sensing not        include the wind speed 1862, as shown.    -   And a fifth wheel engage/disengage proximity sensor.

One alternative embodiment of the status reporting device 800 for a Quaycrane 30 and/or the RTG crane 20 may preferably include an interface tothe programmable logic controller 1350 using a Wheretag.

FIG. 25 shows the status reporting device 800 communicating viacouplings with

-   -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100, preferably        implemented using the means for wirelessly determining 1510.    -   The display 3010.    -   And the means for sensing state 1200.

In FIG. 25, the means for sensing state 1200 preferably includes

-   -   The means for sensing operator identity 1210.    -   The means for sensing container presence 1220.    -   The means for sensing a machine state list member 1270, which        provides the reverse motion 1852, the frequent stops count 1854,        the collision state 1856, the fuel level 1858, and the vehicle        speed 1864. It may be preferred that the means for sensing not        include the wind speed 1862, as shown.    -   And a fifth wheel engage/disengage proximity sensor.

The status reporting device 800 used on the bomb cart 14 and/or thechassis 14 may preferably resemble the status reporting device 800 forthe UTR truck 10 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 without those features which

-   -   sense an engine and/or its fuel, as well as,    -   sense the presence and/or identity of an operator.    -   The status reporting device 800 may also lack the means for        optical container code sensing 1230.

The status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 24 and/or 25, for the UTR truck10 may preferably operate as follows.

-   -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense how long the UTR        truck 10 has been running.    -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the fifth wheel        is engaged.    -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the brakes are        applied.    -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the container 2        is a forty foot container.    -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the container 2        is a twenty foot container and positioned in the front or back        of a bomb cart 14.    -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense when the container 2        is on a chassis.    -   The micro-controller module 1000 may sense the compass reading        1860.    -   Optionally, the micro-controller module 1000 may sense the fuel        level 1858.    -   Optionally, the micro-controller module 1000 may receive the        sensed operator identity 1214.    -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may interface with        the WHERENET™ radio tag system.    -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may further be a        WHERENET tag.    -   Communication through the means for wirelessly communicating        1100 may preferably occur when a container is engaged, a        container is gained or leaves a bomb cart 14, and/or when the        UTR truck 10 starts to move.    -   In certain embodiments, the status reporting device 800 may use        the means for wirelessly communicating 1100 instead of the means        for determining 1500 the location 1900. The means for wirelessly        communicating 1100 may sensed by an external radio system to        determine the container handler location. This may be preferred        in terms of the cost of production of the status reporting        device.

The status reporting device 800 of FIGS. 24 and/or 25, for the UTR truck10 may preferably include the following sensor interfaces.

-   -   The fifth wheel engage-disengage may be sensed by a magnetic        proximity switch.    -   The vehicle speed 1864 and/or movement may be sensed by the        number of revolutions of the driveshaft.    -   The compass reading 1860 may interface using the RS-422 protocol        2111.    -   The container presence may preferably use an ultrasonic sonar        with a four to twenty milliAmp (mA) analog output. This is        measured by the micro-controller module 1000 to determine the        distance.    -   Alternatively, the container presence may use a laser to        determine distance.    -   The means for wirelessly communicating 1100 may be coupled to        the micro-controller module 1000 using the RS-422 protocol 2111.    -   The determination of location may be achieved by the means for        wirelessly communicating 1100, particularly implementing the        WHERENE™ radio tag.    -   The radio tag may further be commanded to blink.    -   The reverse motion sensor may be based upon the reverse motion        buzzer of the UTR truck 10.

In FIGS. 5B, and 17 to 25, the display 3010 is shown.

-   -   The display 3010 may communicate directly with the computer        1010, or communicate through one of the Network Interface        Circuits (NICs).    -   The display 3010 may preferably be a Liquid Crystal display.        However, one skilled in the art will recognize that there are        many alternative means for presenting a status display.    -   The display 3010 may preferably be used to display status.

In FIGS. 21 to 23, the second display 3020 is shown.

-   -   The second display 3020 may communicate directly with the        computer 1010, or communicating through one of the Network        Interface Circuits (NICs).    -   The second display 3020 may preferably be a Liquid Crystal        display. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that        there are many alternative means for presenting a status        display.    -   The second display 3020 may preferably be used to display        command options, which may be available to an operator of the        container handler 78.

A second display 3020 may also be used in the status reporting device800 for a UTR truck 10.

-   -   In such situations, when the second display 3020 is present, the        status reporting device 800 further includes a network interface        circuit supporting a version of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme        2134.    -   The operator can receive messages as to where to go in the        terminal yard to pickup a container 2.    -   The network interface circuit's support of the version of the        IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134, makes remote reprogramming of        the status reporting device 800 possible.

FIGS. 17, 18, 21, 22, and 24 shows status reporting devices 800including a second Network Interface Circuit 1034.

-   -   A second network interface coupling 1036 supports the computer        1010 communicating via the second network interface circuit        1034.    -   The network interface circuit 1030 and the second network        interface circuit 1034 may preferably support distinct serial        communications protocols.    -   By way of example, the network interface circuit 1030 may        support RS-232, while the second network interface circuit 1034        may support Ethernet.    -   Both the network interface circuit 1030 and the second network        interface circuit 1034 may preferably be implemented as        components within a micro-controller, which also contains the        computer 1010.

The status reporting device 800, including and its one or morecommunications protocols may support use of a TCP/IP stack, HTTP, java,and/or XML.

The preceding embodiments have been provided by way of example and arenot meant to constrain the scope of the following claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A status reporting apparatus for a containerhandler, comprising: a micro-controller communicatively coupled to awireless communication component, and communicatively coupled to asensor component; and a memory accessibly coupled to a computerdirecting the micro-controller, the memory having installed therein aprogram comprising executable program steps for using the sensorcomponent to create a sensed state of the container handler, and forusing the wireless communication component to communicate the sensedstate; wherein the container handler moves a container of at leasttwenty foot in length.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the computeris selected from the group consisting of: an instruction processor, afinite-state machine, an inferential engine, and a neural network. 23.The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the wireless communication componentcomprises at least one of a radio-location tag unit and a wirelessmodem, and includes a network interface circuit supporting at least onewireline communications protocol, the wireline communications protocolsupporting a serial protocol selected from the group consisting of:Synchronous Serial interface protocol, Ethernet protocol, SerialPeripheral interface, RS-232 interface, Inter-IC protocol, UniversalSerial Bus protocol, Controller Area Network protocol, Firewireprotocol, RS-485 protocol, and RS-422 protocol.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein the wireless communication component supports wirelesscommunication using a wireless modulation-demodulation scheme selectedfrom the group consisting of: Time Division Multiple Access, FrequencyDivision, Multiple Access, Code Division Multiple Access, SpreadSpectrum scheme, frequency Hopping Multiple Access, and OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiple Access.
 25. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe sensor component is configured to sense at least one of an operatoridentity to provide a sensed operator identity, and a location of thecontainer handler relative to a deployment area, the location determinedusing at least one of global positioning system data, differentialglobal positioning system data, and timing signals from multiple antennasites.
 26. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sensor component isconfigured to sense a container presence to provide a sensed containerpresent status, and wherein the sensed container present status can beused in part to derive a location of the container relative to thecontainer handler.
 27. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sensorcomponent comprises an optical character recognition module configuredto optically sense a container code on the container to provide anoptical container characteristic, and wherein the optical containercharacteristic includes at least one instance of a member of a containercode characteristic list; and wherein the container code characteristiclist includes a container code text, a view of the container code, and acompression of the view of the container code.
 28. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein the optical character recognition module comprises atleast one video camera to create at least one instance of the view ofthe container code and the compression of the view of the containercode.
 29. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container handler isselected from the group consisting of: a utility truck, a gantry crane,a quay crane, a side picker, a reach stacker, a top handler, a straddlecarrier, and a chassis rotator.
 30. An apparatus for reporting thestatus of a container handler, comprising a microcontroller controlledby a processor executing program instructions; a sensing componentcoupled to the microcontroller and configured to sense a state of thecontainer handler to create a sensed state of the container handler withrespect to a characteristic of at least one of a container handleroperator and a container manipulated by the container handler, whereinthe characteristic of the container manipulated by the container handlercomprises a location of the container relative to the container handleras derived from the sensed state of the container handler; a wirelesscommunication component coupled to the microcontroller and configured totransmit the sensed state of the container handle to a remote server,the wireless communication module using a serial wireless communicationsprotocol and a wireless modulation-demodulation scheme; and a memorycoupled to the microcontroller and storing the program instructions tocontrol the sensing component and the wireless communication component.31. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the container handler comprises ahuman operated device that moves the container within a deployment area,and is selected from the group consisting of: a utility truck, a gantrycrane, a quay crane, a side picker, a reach stacker, a top handler, astraddle carrier, and a chassis rotator.
 32. The apparatus of claim 11wherein the container is at least 20 foot in length.
 33. The apparatusof claim 12 further comprising a location determination componentconfigured to wirelessly determine a location of the container handlerrelative to the deployment area, wherein the location is provided by oneof: a Global Positioning System, a Differential Global PositioningSystem, and timing signals from multiple antenna sites.
 34. Theapparatus of claim 11 wherein the wireless communication componentcomprises one of: a radio-location tag unit supporting a defined radiocommunication standard, and a wireless modem.
 35. The apparatus of claim14 wherein the serial wireless communications protocol is selected fromthe group consisting of: synchronous serial interface protocol, Ethernetprotocol, serial peripheral interface, RS-232 interface, Inter-ICprotocol, Universal Serial Bus protocol, Controller Area Networkprotocol, Firewire protocol, RS-485 protocol, and RS-422 protocol; andwherein the wireless modulation-demodulation scheme is selected from thegroup consisting of: Time Division Multiple Access, Frequency Division,Multiple Access, Code Division Multiple Access, Spread Spectrum scheme,frequency Hopping Multiple Access, and Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiple Access.
 36. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the sensingcomponent is selected from the group consisting of: an operator identitysensor, a container presence sensor, an optical container code sensor, aradio frequency tag sensor, a container stack height sensor, a containersize sensor, a container weight sensor, a container size sensor, a fuellevel sensor, a fifth wheel engage/disengage proximity sensor, and acontainer damage sensor.
 37. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein thesensing component comprises a container size sensor including anultrasonic sonar sensor configured to detect the presence of thecontainer in the container handler, and a distance to the containerrelative to boundaries of the container handler.
 38. The apparatus ofclaim 16 wherein the sensing component comprises sensors configured tosense characteristics of a spreader used to grasp the container, thespreader characteristics including a foot-width spread of the spreaderselected from one of twenty foot, forty foot, and forty-five foot. 39.The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the sensing component comprisessensors to sense characteristics of a vehicle used to move thecontainer, the vehicle characteristics including fuel level, mileage,operational life, compass reading, reverse motion, and vehicle speed.40. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the sensing component comprisessensors to sense a height of a stack of one or more containers relativeto the container handler, the stack height sensor including one of: adraw wire encoder and a hollow shaft encoder.